Seems like it was yesterday that the thought of stepping into another year brought a stomach-full of butterflies.* After a long December, we were singing with the counting crows: maybe this year will be better than the last. But...if not, I asked the Lord to open my eyes, awaken my heart to joy. Not happy-'cuz-life-is-good or happy-when-my-kids-behave. Not happiness-found-in-escaping-to-anywhere-but-here or happy-from-a-pat-on-the-back.
Joy that springs from a well deeper than circumstance.
The joy that only He can give.
2011 came,
and this is just a snapshot.
{There is so much left out...memories we hold in our hearts but don't have on disk - lovely faces that grace our days, precious family, priceless friendships, warm exchanges in the hall, honest conversations, laughter and tears shared.}
The joy that only He can give.
Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
~ Psalm 90.14
and this is just a snapshot.
{There is so much left out...memories we hold in our hearts but don't have on disk - lovely faces that grace our days, precious family, priceless friendships, warm exchanges in the hall, honest conversations, laughter and tears shared.}
we hugged hard good-byes to loved ones...
we embraced hellos...
{below: before...}
we moved, gathered, celebrated...
{above: after!!!}
we discovered the wonder in the here, beauty in the now...
You know what I see looking back on this year?
He has given joy!
We often don’t enjoy the experience at hand because we’re so caught
up with reaching out for the next one…The secret to awakening joy
is being present with whatever part of life we’re tasting right now.
~ James Baraz & Shoshana Alexander
More to come, as we ring in the New Year tonight with some of our favorites.
Wishing you a Happy New Year, filled with joy that only He can give!
Wishing you a Happy New Year, filled with joy that only He can give!
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